Huron Consulting Group stock is having a moment. Honestly, if you’ve been watching the professional services sector lately, you know it’s usually about as exciting as watching paint dry. But HURN—the ticker for Huron—is basically the exception that proves the rule right now.
As of January 15, 2026, the stock is sitting at $185.58.
That’s a big deal.
The company just hit an all-time high. Earlier this month, it was hovering around $171, and then Barrington Research came out and named it one of their "best stock ideas" for 2026. Since then? It’s been on a tear. Investors are piling in because Huron isn't just a group of people in suits giving advice anymore. They've turned into a digital-heavy, healthcare-obsessed, and education-focused machine that keeps beating what Wall Street thinks they can do.
What’s Actually Driving the Huron Consulting Group Stock Surge?
Most people think consulting firms are the first to get cut when the economy gets weird. That's usually true. If a company is struggling, they stop paying for expensive PowerPoint decks. But Huron is different because they play in the "non-discretionary" sandbox.
Think about it.
They do a massive amount of work in healthcare and higher education. These aren't industries that can just "stop" modernizing. Hospitals are dealing with absolute chaos regarding labor costs and insurance reimbursements. Universities are trying to figure out how to survive a world where the "enrollment cliff" is a very real, very scary thing.
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Huron is the firm they call to fix the plumbing.
In their last big earnings report from October 2025, they posted record revenues of $432.4 million for just one quarter. That was a 17% jump. CEO Mark Hussey basically told everyone that the demand is robust because their clients are facing "persistent financial challenges." Basically, when things are hard for hospitals and colleges, it’s actually good for Huron.
The Digital Pivot Is the Secret Sauce
You can’t talk about Huron Consulting Group stock without talking about their pivot to digital. They’ve spent the last two years buying up companies like AXIA Consulting, Eclipse Insights, and most recently, the payor consulting division of AXIOM Systems.
Why?
Because high-margin digital services now make up a huge chunk of their revenue—around 42% by some counts. They aren't just telling you how to run a hospital; they are installing the Oracle Cloud or Workday systems that actually run the place. This creates "sticky" revenue. Once a consultant helps you install your entire financial backbone, you don't just stop calling them.
The Math Behind the HURN Price Tag
If you’re looking at the numbers, Huron’s P/E ratio is sitting around 31. That’s a bit higher than the industry average of 25.
Some people think it’s overpriced.
"Rich" is a word analysts use when they think a stock is expensive but they still like it. But here’s the thing: their earnings per share (EPS) grew by 25% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025. When a company is growing its bottom line that fast, investors are usually happy to pay a premium.
Analyst Targets and Where We’re Headed
Analysts aren't quiet about this one. Wedbush and Barrington have been reiterating "Outperform" ratings like clockwork. The average price target is currently floating around $197, but some of the more aggressive bulls are eyeing $215 or even $250 by the end of 2026.
It’s not all sunshine, though.
If the government drastically changes Medicaid funding or if research universities see a massive drop in federal grants, Huron takes a hit. They are very concentrated in these two sectors. If healthcare sneezing, Huron catches a cold.
Also, they’ve been aggressive with acquisitions. They spent $152.5 million repurchasing shares in the first nine months of 2025, which is great for shareholders, but they also have about $700 million in debt. It’s manageable, but it’s something to keep an eye on if interest rates decide to do something funky again.
Is Huron Consulting Group Stock a Buy Right Now?
Look, no one has a crystal ball. But the trend for HURN is clearly "up and to the right."
They’ve found a way to make consulting feel more like a technology business. By moving into managed services—where they actually run parts of a client’s business for them—they’ve created a more predictable income stream. That’s why the stock has returned over 200% to shareholders over the last five years.
Compare that to some of their peers like FTI Consulting (FCN). While FTI is bigger and has more revenue, Huron is often seen as the "growthier" pick because of its laser focus on those core digital and healthcare niches.
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Actionable Strategy for Investors
If you're thinking about jumping in, don't just chase the all-time high blindly.
- Watch the Q4 Earnings: The next big catalyst is the earnings report estimated for February 24, 2026. If they beat expectations again and raise 2026 guidance, the $200 mark is likely toast.
- Monitor the P/E Multiple: If the stock climbs while earnings stay flat, the valuation could get stretched. Keep an eye on that 30x-31x range.
- Sector Check: Keep an ear out for any major legislative shifts in U.S. healthcare. That is the single biggest risk factor for this company.
Huron isn't the "sleeping giant" anymore; it’s wide awake. Whether you're a long-term holder or just looking for a momentum play, the combination of digital transformation and essential industry consulting makes it a very unique animal in the current market.